Spirit agency awards 68.7 million euros in regional investment subsidies

The Spirit agency has awarded a total of 68.7 million euros in investment co-financing to 33 companies within the Savinjska-Šaleška and Zasavje coal mining regions. This funding, part of the Just Transition Fund, aims to support the economic shift away from fossil fuels by promoting green jobs, increasing investment diversity, and enhancing value per employee.

In the Zasavje region specifically, 12 companies will receive funding, with 12.4 million euros allocated to large enterprises and 13.7 million euros for small and medium-sized businesses. Notably, some recipients do not have their headquarters in the region, though the agency clarified that the projects themselves must be implemented within the Zasavje area to meet the fund's objectives.

Among the top recipients are Ergopharmi and Gorenje, which each received 5 million euros. Other significant grants include nearly 5 million euros for Dewesoft and 1 million euros for Plastika Skaza. This re-run of the tender follows a previous controversy in early 2025 involving allegations of irregularities and political connections, which led to the cancellation of the original tender and the departure of Spirit's director.